Quality Manager - aerospace / defense / industrial at SunSource – Northborough, Massachusetts

We are seeking an experienced Quality Manager to lead and continuously improve our Quality Management System (QMS) in support of aerospace, defense, and industrial customers. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, strengthening operational quality processes, and driving a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

The Quality Manager will oversee the development, implementation, and ongoing management of our Business Management System (BMS) while ensuring compliance with critical industry standards including ISO 9001, AS9100, AS9120, and ITAR regulations. This role partners closely with Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure quality is embedded throughout the entire product lifecycle.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on quality leader who combines strong technical expertise with the ability to influence teams, analyze data, and implement process improvements that enhance operational performance and customer satisfaction.

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Business Management System (BMS) aligned with ISO 9001, AS9100, and AS9120 standards.
• Ensure full organizational compliance with ITAR, DPAS, FAR, and DFARS regulations.
• Oversee document control processes, including the development and maintenance of quality manuals, policies, and manufacturing procedures.
• Serve as the internal subject matter expert for quality system standards and regulatory requirements.

Operational Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) initiatives and implement effective Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) to address quality issues.
• Drive Lean manufacturing and 6S initiatives to improve process capability, efficiency, and operational performance.
• Establish and monitor quality performance metrics, providing regular data-driven insights and reporting to senior leadership.
• Manage tool calibration programs and measurement system controls to ensure product quality and compliance.

Audits & Supplier Quality

• Lead the organization’s internal audit program and act as the primary liaison for external, regulatory, and customer audits.
• Manage the Supplier Quality Management Program, including supplier evaluations, performance monitoring, and on-site audits.
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to ensure quality requirements are fully integrated into new product introductions and production processes.

Leadership & Training

• Develop and deliver quality training programs covering quality tools, analytical methods, and continuous improvement principles.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence across the organization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on quality strategy, risk management, and compliance initiatives

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality, Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of quality management system experience within a government contracting, aerospace, or military subcontracting environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing document control systems, internal and external audits, supplier quality programs, and employee training initiatives.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100/AS9120, and ITAR regulations.
• Familiarity with hydraulic or electrical systems is a plus.

Skills

• Understanding of ITAR, DPAS, FAR, and DFARS compliance frameworks.
• Experience applying Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or 6S methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis and CAPA implementation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); MS Access experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working with customers, auditors, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Self-motivated leader with strong ownership mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.

• High-visibility leadership role with ownership of the company’s Quality Management System.
• Opportunity to directly impact regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.
• Work in a technically driven aerospace and defense environment where quality is mission-critical.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement and process innovation.
• Be part of an organization where quality is viewed as a strategic advantage—not simply a requirement.